In today’s world of instant gratification and automation, “built, not bought” is a refreshing concept that promotes self-reliance, making and a deep connection with our resources and our world. Coupled with the homesteading movement, the “built, not bought” philosophy inspires individuals and families to take control of their lives and create, grow, and build their… Read more: Built, Not Bought: Embracing the Homesteading Mindset

Homesteading can be an exciting and rewarding life, focusing on independence and self-sufficiency, but it comes with a lot of action and responsibility. The satisfaction and simplicity of life are only available if you keep your attention on both the livestock and the land and don’t let complacency pull you down. Losing a bit of… Read more: Guarding Against Complacency in Homesteading

As one embarks on the journey of homesteading, they often have visions of developing a lifestyle with the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency, growing their own food, plus being in harmony with nature. The notion of “doing it all” often becomes overwhelming—planting crops, raising farm animals, preserving food, and making handmade products. Typically, this leads to… Read more: The Art of Homesteading: Focus on Mastery and Build Your Community Network

Homesteaders in Iowa, while seeking a hand in sustainability and self-sufficiency, often venture to find practices that maximize resources and minimize waste. One of the exciting and growing practices is known as vermiculture (worm farming). Worm farming has multiple benefits, from enhancing your garden mix to overall food waste reduction. This blog article will detail… Read more: Unlocking the Benefits of Vermiculture: Why Iowa Homesteaders Should Start Growing Worms

As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, many of us are seeking ways to live more sustainably and reduce our ecological footprint. For homesteaders in Iowa, where land and natural resources are integral to daily life, embracing change begins right in our own yards. On May 26th, we celebrate “Reduce Your Lawn Day”, a community-driven… Read more: Reduce Your Lawn Day: A Green Initiative for Iowa Homesteaders on May 26th

Urban homesteading is more than just a trend; it’s a movement rooted in self-sufficiency, sustainability, and community resilience. Living in an urban environment doesn’t mean you can’t cultivate your own food, reduce your carbon footprint, or live in harmony with nature. In fact, with some creativity and determination, anyone can start their own urban homesteading… Read more: Urban Homesteading: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

As the chill of winter fades and the promise of spring emerges, gardening enthusiasts eagerly await an eruption of vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests the season offers. In that respect, prior to planting that first seed, one has to look below to where there lies a group of busy soil microbes playing a significant role… Read more: Unlocking the Secret Life Beneath Our Feet: A Beginner’s Guide to the Microbial World of Soil

Spring heralds a time of renewal and growth, both in nature and in our gardens. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, gardeners everywhere feel the call to prepare their plots for a season of flourishing plants and abundant harvests. Proper preparation is key to ensuring that your garden reaches its full potential. This guide… Read more: Spring Awakening: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing Your Garden

Soil is the life-giving foundation of our ecosystems, supporting plant growth, water filtration, and providing habitat for countless organisms. But what makes soil healthy and fertile? At the heart of soil science is the understanding of nutrients and minerals—critical components that enable plants to thrive. This article aims to simplify the concepts surrounding soil nutrients… Read more: Understanding Soil Science: The Essentials of Nutrients and Minerals for Healthy Soil

As winter starts to wane and the promise of spring blooms on the horizon, many gardening enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the planting season. But why wait for the weather to warm up when you can start your garden seeds indoors? Starting seeds early is a rewarding way to jumpstart your garden and gives you more control… Read more: Starting Garden Seeds: The Joy, Benefits, and Steps You Need to Know